On November 14th, 2018, ISRO launched the communication satellite GSAT-29 on board; it is second developmental flight GSLV-Mk III D2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

GSAT-29 satellite with a lift-off weight mass of 3423 kg (heaviest satellite), is a multi-beam, multiband communication satellite of India. It has a mission life of 10 years and it is 33rd communication satellite built by ISRO.

GSAT-29 carries Ka/Ku- band high trough put communication transponders which will bridge the digital divide of users including those in Jammu & Kashmir and Northeastern regions of India.

It is also carrying Q/V band payload, configured for technology demonstration at higher frequency bands and geo stationary High Resolution Camera. An optical communication payload will be utilised for data transmission at a very high rate for the first time.

GSLV- Mk III D2

It is a three stage heavy lift rocket, measuring 43.494m and weighing 640 tonnes.

The first stage has two boosters with solid propellant, the second is the core with liquid propellant, and the cryogenic engine forms the final stage.